Method and apparatus for production of labels

ABSTRACT

The present invention provides a method and apparatus for producing individual folded labels from a ribbon of labels designed to satisfy the aforementioned needs. The label is formed by first providing a ribbon of labels with at least one folded over portion and then subjecting the folded ribbon to heat and pressure to set the fold. The folded pressed ribbon is then subdividing into individual labels. In an alternative embodiment, the folded and pressed ribbon can be rerolled and shipped to an end user for use in an auto-sewing device. The present invention further includes an apparatus for carrying out this method and a finished label.

FIELD OF INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates to a method and apparatus forproduction of folded labels for application to clothing, linens, towels,and other goods. The present invention further relates to a labelproduced by the method of the invention. BACKGROUND

[0002] The attachment of labels to cloth goods such as clothing, linens,and towels is a common practice used to set forth information such astrademarks and trade names, material identification and characteristics,sizes, care instructions, and so forth. Legal requirements necessitatethe use of labels in clothing or on linens.

[0003] Folded labels are commonly used in the industry and come in anumber of different forms including endfolds, centerfolds, J folds,Booklet fold, Manhattan-folds, and mitrefold labels. While each of thesedifferent forms has a particular use, the centerfold and end-fold labelsare the most popular. FIG. 1 illustrates a centerfold label 2 in ashirt. FIGS. 2-4 illustrate different views of an end fold label of thepresent invention. While FIGS. 5-7 illustrate different views of aManhattan fold label of the present invention.

[0004] In addition to providing this important information, the label ispart of the object. Unfortunately, it is not unusual for a label,especially a skin contact clothing label, to irritate the customer. Thiscan result in the customer forming a negative attitude regarding thequality of the entire garment. Quite often the customer will cut theoffending label out of the garment. This not only prevents the customerfrom having the proper care instructions; it also removes the productidentification from the garment, further reducing repeat sales.

[0005] Currently most folded labels are produced using what is referredto in the industry as the “cut and fold” technique, that is the labelsare indexed, cut from a ribbon of material and then folded. Using thistechnique about 40-220 labels can be produced a minute with between5-20% of the labels being considered waste or defective. The most commondefect being a distorted fold resulting in the ends (6) of the label (4)not aligning properly, as illustrated in FIG. 8. Other defects includeturned corners, fanning, and protruding fold unders.

[0006] Defective labels can significantly increase the cost of thegoods. For example, while it costs only about fifteen to twenty-fivecents to sew a label into a garment in the United States, it can costfive to ten times this amount to replace a defective label. Many labels,especially centerfold, have a tendency to skew while being sewed,thereby increasing the chance for a poor impression. If the defectivelabel is not detected and replaced, the goods may have to be classifiedas seconds and sold at a steep discount. Significantly, if theidentification of the defective label is missed it is likely to berecognizable by the customer and adversely affect the overall impressionof the goods.

[0007] It would be desirable to be able to produce folded labels thatare more comfortable to the apparel customer than current labels, at ahigher speed and greater efficiency of production for both label and endproduct manufacturers, and with fewer defects than current methods.

[0008] There are systems that produce printed labels by first folding atape imprinted with a label design and then, with a cold knife, cuttingthe folded tape. Such a system is utilized by Scatto-GI Due's (Italy)CONCORD printer. However, the system employed using the CONCORD unitwould not be suitable for used with woven fabrics.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0009] We have surprisingly discovered that the sequential steps offolding a ribbon of labels, pressing the folded label with heat to setthe fold and subdividing the pressed ribbon into individual labels usingultrasonic means results in individual folded labels that are soft tothe touch have edges that are generally scratchless to the apparelconsumer and virtually free of defects. The improved feel of the labelsproduced in accordance with the present invention assures that labelwill remain on the garment when the customer is ready to reorder.Additionally, the use of ultrasonic means to subdivide the labelsresults in a label having the front and back folds sealed together thuspreventing the label from being skewed when sewed into a garment. Thismakes the sewing step more efficient and results in a reduced number offinished goods being classified as seconds. Thus providing added costsavings to the garment manufacturer. Furthermore, the present inventionallows for the production of labels at a rate of from 200 to over 1000per minute at efficiencies better than 90% at a waste less than 4%. Thisis significantly higher than the 40-220 labels per minute produced usingthe current “cut and fold” technique.

[0010] The present invention provides a method and apparatus forproducing individual folded labels from a ribbon of labels designed tosatisfy the aforementioned needs. The label is formed by first providinga ribbon of labels with at least one fold and then subjecting the foldedribbon to heat and pressure to set the fold. In one embodiment, thefolded pressed ribbon is indexed and then ultrasonically subdivided intoindividual labels. In an alternative embodiment, the folded and pressedribbon is rerolled and shipped to an end user for use in an auto-sewingdevice. The present invention further includes an apparatus for carryingout this method as well as labels producing in accordance with themethod.

[0011] The present invention also provides for insertion of a devicesuch as an antenna, computer chip, radio frequency inventory/antitheftcontrol devices, acoustical, magnetic or other security or inventorydevices within the folded label. Such devices may be part of a web orlaminate. After insertion of the device, edges of the label can besealed using known techniques, preferably ultrasonics. As will bediscussed in more detail below, such a device can be inserted before orafter the folding step.

[0012] In one embodiment the apparatus of the present inventioncomprises a folding station and a press station. In a preferredembodiment, the apparatus further comprises a cutting station. Thefolding station comprises a series of guides that provide the ribbonwith at least one folded over portion that when cut will result in alabel having the desired configuration. Such configurations includeendfold, centerfold, J fold, Manhattan-fold, and mitrefold. See FIGS.1-7 and 24. The apparatus of this present invention may have severaldifferent folding stations or interchangeable folding stations, thusallowing the user to select different fold configurations.Alternatively, there may be a series of components that function in oneoverall device. The press and cutting stations are electronically linkedby means of at least one sensor to coordinate operation.

[0013] In a preferred embodiment, the apparatus of the present inventioncomprises a tension control assembly to control tension from the roll ofribbon of material through the folding station and into the press unit.In this preferred embodiment, the device further comprises a foldingstation, press unit, indexing assembly and an ultrasonic cuttingstation.

[0014] The press station of the apparatus of the invention includes aheated platen to subject the ribbon to heat and pressure to lock in thefold and provide the product with a soft feel when polyester or likematerials are used. The amount of heat and pressure is selected based onthe ribbon material. The press station includes a mechanism for linearadvance of the ribbon from the ribbon dispenser through the foldingstation. The linear advance mechanism can include, for example, aconveyor belt positioned below the platen or a pair of nip rollspositioned downstream from the platen. The folded and pressed label canbe rerolled and shipped to an end user for use in an auto-sewing device.Alternatively, the folded pressed ribbon is passed through the indexingassembly and then sent to the cutting station where it is ultrasonicallysubdivided into individual labels.

[0015] The apparatus can further comprise an insertion assembly toinsert a device, such as those discussed above, into the label. Theinsertion assembly can be positioned before or after the folding stationor after indexing. In any embodiment the apparatus can be configured forleft or right-hand operation to allow a user to operate more than oneunit.

[0016] Other aspects of the invention as disclosed infra.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0017]FIG. 1 illustrates a centerfold label 2 in a shirt.

[0018]FIG. 2 is a front view of an end fold label.

[0019]FIG. 3 is a back view of the label of FIG. 2.

[0020]FIG. 4A is a cross sectional view of the label of FIG. 2 alongline 4A-4A.

[0021]FIG. 4B is a cross sectional view of the label of FIG. 2 alongline 4B-4B.

[0022]FIG. 5 is a front view of a Manhattan fold label.

[0023]FIG. 6 is a back view of the label of FIG. 5.

[0024]FIG. 7A is a cross sectional view of the label of FIG. 5 alongline 7A-7A.

[0025]FIG. 7B is a cross sectional view of the label of FIG. 5 alongline 7B-7B.

[0026]FIG. 8 illustrates a centerfold label having a distorted fold.

[0027]FIG. 9 is a perspective view of an apparatus of the presentinvention.

[0028]FIG. 10 is a schematical side view of an embodiment of the presentinvention.

[0029]FIG. 11 is a schematical top view of the embodiment of FIG. 4.

[0030]FIG. 12 is an end view of the left side of the apparatus of FIG. 9showing a ribbon going through the folding station into the press unit.

[0031]FIG. 13 illustrates a folding lens.

[0032]FIG. 14 is a front view of the press station of the embodiment ofFIG. 9.

[0033]FIG. 15 is an exploded view of the conveyor drive mechanism of thepress station of the embodiment of FIG. 9.

[0034]FIG. 16 diagram of a representative speed control system.

[0035]FIG. 17 is a perspective view of the indexing assembly and cuttingstation of the embodiment of FIG. 9.

[0036]FIG. 18 is a schematical side view of an alternative embodiment ofthe present invention.

[0037]FIG. 19 is a schematical top view of the embodiment of FIG. 18.

[0038]FIGS. 20A, 20B and 20C illustrate an arrangement of folding rodsused to produce an end fold.

[0039]FIG. 21 is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of thepresent invention.

[0040]FIG. 22 is a schematical side view of the embodiment of FIG. 21.

[0041]FIG. 23 is a schematical top view showing examples of positionsthat inventory/security devices can be inserted.

[0042]FIG. 24 is a front view of a centerfold label.

[0043]FIG. 25 is a back view of the label of FIG. 24.

[0044]FIG. 26 is a cross sectional view of the label of FIG. 24 alongline 26-26.

[0045]FIG. 27 is a top view of an alternative embodiment of the presentinvention.

[0046]FIG. 28 is a perspective view of the reverse side of theembodiment depicted in FIG. 27.

[0047]FIG. 29, 30 and 31 are cross sectional views of ribbon 26 in FIG.27.

DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0048] Referring now to the drawings, and more particularly, to FIG. 9,there is shown a perspective view of a label producing apparatus of thepresent invention, in the centerfold configuration, generally designated8, which comprises one embodiment of the present invention. Theapparatus of the embodiment of FIG. 9 comprises a tension let off device10, a tension equalizer assembly 12, a folding station 14, a pressingstation 16, indexing assembly 18 and a cutting station 20 mounted on abase or table 22.

[0049] As shown in FIG. 9, a roll 24 of a ribbon of material containinglabels 26 is placed on tension let off device 10. Regulating tensionfrom let off device 10 to press station 16 is important for controllingthe ribbon of material 26 during the folding process. As shown in FIG.10, the upper edge 28 and lower edge 30 of the material 26 must bemaintained at essentially equal tensions. The centerline 32 of material26, as shown in FIG. 10, is the main control for this adjustment.Centerline 32 is preferably setup equal to the centerline of the pressunit 16 and the folding station 14. Raising or lowering the roll 24 fromthis point can be done to equalize the tensions in the upper and loweredge of the material.

[0050] The ribbon of material 26 can be composed of virtually anymaterial that can be cut and pressed including a thermoplastic material(e.g., polyester), acetate, cotton, nylon, linen, paper, rayon andcombinations thereof, in woven and non-woven form. Polyester ispreferred. The labels can be printed or woven. Woven is preferred.

[0051] It is preferred that the logo of the label is made such that itis 90 degrees from the typical orientation used in broadloom, needeloomor shuttleloom weaving of woven labels. For woven labels this can bereadily done on existing harness repeats. The change of orientationgreatly reduces “window shading” (curling after laundering) anddecreases shrinkage when the product is exposed to heat at temperaturesabove 275° F.

[0052] As shown in FIGS. 9, 10 and 11 the ribbon of material 26 is thenguided through a series of adjustable equalizing rollers 14 that make upthe tension equalizer assembly 12 to provide an even distribution oftension. After emerging from the equalizing rollers, the ribbon isguided over a folding rod 36. It is preferable that the location offolding rod 36 be kept in center with folding lenses 38 and 40 alongcenterline 32. The folding rod 36 is square to base 22. Material angle42 (FIG. 5) is kept from 5°-170°, more preferably 30°-90°. The distancefrom folding rod 36 to press unit 16 is dictated by the loom cut widthof the material being folded. The wider the tape/ribbon cut the furtherfolding rod 36 is located from press unit 16.

[0053] After passing over the folding rod 36, the ribbon of material 26enters folding station 14. For producing a centerfold label, as shown inthe embodiment of FIGS. 9, 10 and 11, the folding station 24 comprisestwo folding lenses 38 and 40. The folding lenses can be seen mostclearly in FIG. 12. Folding lenses 38 and 40 are pivotally mounted onsupports 44 and can be adjusted vertically. The lenses are acaliper-like device comprising two adjustable jaws 46. The lensesrestrain and guide the material into an even consistent fold. Lens 38 isa guiding lens used for making for slight adjustments before thematerial enters lens 40, the working lens that brings the ribbon to afold. In certain situations a proper fold can be obtained using more orless that two lenses.

[0054] As illustrated in FIG. 13, it is preferred that the distance x onlens 40 be ½ of the loom cut width +1.5 mm or −1.5 mm depending on thethickness and stability of the material being processed. The Y distanceshould allow for even flow of material. Changing lenses to a larger orsmaller diameter may be necessary for widths over 120 mm or below 50 mm.

[0055] Movement of lens 40 in the +x-axis (FIG. 8) direction will createa larger top fold. Movement of lens 40 in the −x-axis direction willcreate a larger bottom fold. Placement of the y-axis for both lens 38and 40 is along centerline 32 (FIG. 10). If the material has a tendencyto twist then an angle downward or upward may be set on either lens.

[0056] As can be seen in FIG. 12, the folded material exits the foldingstation 14 and enters press station 16. The press station 16 subjectsthe folded material to both heat (100°-400° F.) and pressure. A range ofpressure between 5-80 pounds of force is preferred. As illustrated inFIGS. 14 and 15, in one embodiment the press unit includes a supportframe 48 (part of which has been cut away in the figure to show details)upon which are movably affixed belt rolls 50 about which is positioned ahigh temperature resistant endless conveyor belt 52. The belt may bedriven at selected, controlled, constant speeds by known means such asan AC or DC electric drive motor 54 and speed regulator or controller.Between the affixed belt rolls 50 are a series of rollers 56, springmounted to the support frame, upon which the top of the conveyor rides.

[0057] As shown in FIG. 14, mounted above the conveyor belt 52 is aplaten 58 affixed to a motor driven screw gear actuating mechanism 60 bywhich the platen 58 may be moved upward and downward. The platen isheatable by means of electrically energized calrods or other knownheating devices attached to a heat control unit (not shown).

[0058] The speed of the press station motor can be trimmed with anultrasonic rangefinder that is wired into the motor controller insidethe unit. A diagram of a representative speed control system isillustrated in FIG. 16. In FIG. 16, a speed signal is sent to theservomotor 62. From this signal a calculation is made and held inmemory. The ultra sonic range finder 64 makes a reading of the slack ofmaterial as it travels between press station 16 and cutting station 20(FIG. 9). This is added to the number held in memory and this sum issent to the belt drive motor 66 to control belt speed.

[0059] The press station 16 can have multiple heat zones that can becontrolled separately. The first heat zone can be designed to carry mostof the heat and the heat zones can be designed as a cool down area. Thesettings of the press station 16 are dictated by the type of materialbeing processed. Thicker materials require a higher press setting andmore heat, while thinner materials require less.

[0060] In the embodiment depicted in the figures, the folded materialtravels though the press unit via a conveyer mechanism, depicted in moredetail in FIG. 15. It is this conveyor mechanism that provides a linearadvance pulling the ribbon from the tension let off device 10 throughthe folding station 14. Other mechanisms for linear advance can be used.

[0061] As shown most clearly in FIG. 17, the folded pressed ribbon exitsthe press station and is led to the cutting station on support plate 68.A range sensor 64, shown in FIG. 10, is used to monitor the slack 70 ofthe material 26 between press 16 and plate support 68 and through acontrol unit, the speed of press 16 is trimmed to stay consistent withthe advancing material and the delays set for cut time and accelerationand deceleration of the servo motor (not shown) that turns drive roller44.

[0062] As shown in FIG. 17, upon advance of the material, downwardpressure from roll 74 is dependent on material thickness, and structure.Thinner, looser structure materials require low pressure. Thicker andmore stable structures of material require a higher downward pressure.

[0063] As shown in FIG. 10, to maintain the proper alignment formaterials with logos and written instructions such as woven or printedlabels, an observation system such as a fiber optic eye 76 is used,which reads color contrast as material advances past its read point. Thematerial advances accelerating from a full stop. When a registrationpoint passes under eye 76 or when eye 76 sees a color change animmediate interrupt signal is sent to the controller, at this point theservo motor, via roller 72, advances the material the distance set inthe operator interface. The deceleration is calculated so that thematerial advance will be accurate to +/−0.05 mm. At this point thematerial remains stopped for the cutting, e.g., knife delay time set onthe operator interface. The material then advances and follows the samesequence above.

[0064] A typical setting for the advance is the width of the label(length along loom cut edge) minus 5 mm. This number may be adjusted toinfluence centering of the logo. Additional adjustment can be made ifnecessary.

[0065] In the embodiment depicted in the figures, particularly FIG. 17,the material is cut at the cutting station 20 to form folded labelsusing an ultrasonic system 78 comprising a horn 80 and anvil 82. Forexample, ultrasonic horn 80 has sound waves moving through it at afrequency of 20 KHz. The residence of these waves can be magnifiedthrough proper booster and horn combination.

[0066] The anvil 82 is actuated at an adjustable pressure to collidewith horn 80. The material 26 passes between horn 80 and anvil 82 and isexposed to very high-localized heat, cutting and sealing the material.The larger the radius on anvil 82 the larger the seal area and the morepressure required for a cut. The default delay time for the knife up iscalculated and taken into account. For example, a typical delay is 70ms, which may be adjusted if necessary to accomplish the desiredresults. Ultrasonic rotary dies can also be used.

[0067] The cutting station can utilize other known cutting techniques tosubdivide the ribbon into individual labels. Such techniques included,for example, cold or hot shearing knives, hot fuse knives that squeezeoff the product during cutting, extreme high mechanical pressure,high-pressure air, high-pressure water, laser cutting, rotary diecutters, and others.

[0068] As shown in FIG. 17, after cutting the finished label 84 proceedsto packer 86. Packer 86 then pushes the label 84 into a packing box.Packing of the cut labels can also be accomplished by bagging or placingthe goods in boxes through any number of methods including single columnstacks in horizontal or vertical orientation, curved stacker trays, ormagazine devices in a rotary or sliding configuration.

[0069]FIGS. 24, 25 and 26 b set forth a centerfold label 84 produced inaccordance with the method and apparatus of the present invention.Unlike centerfold labels produced using traditional techniques, thecenterfold label of the present invention has the front and back foldssealed together along edge 128.

[0070] All the components may be assembled in a single device, or may beassociated together as separate components, within a system.

[0071] As discussed above, by using an alternative folding stations, theapparatus of the present invention can be used to form other varietiesof folded labels. For example, FIGS. 18-22 depict modifications to thefolding station of the embodiment of FIG. 9 to form “end-fold” labels(FIGS. 2-4).

[0072] As shown in FIGS. 18 and 19, the material 26 is distributed fromtension roll 10 and passed through folding station 14. In thisembodiment the folding station 14 is comprised of folding rods 88 andholder foot 90 that keeps the fold closed before it enters the pressstation 16.

[0073] The folding rods are illustrated in more detail in FIGS. 20A-20C.In FIGS. 20A-20C fold rod 92 holds unfolded material in position. Foldrod 94 begins the fold along the edges. Fold rod 96 completes the fold.Fold rods 98 and 100 work the fold in place. The folded material thenenters press station 16 and is processed as above.

[0074]FIGS. 21 and 22 show another modification to the folding stationthat can be used to form an “end-fold” label (FIGS. 2-4). As shown inFIGS. 21 and 22, the material 26 is distributed from tension roll 10 andpassed through folding station 14. In this embodiment, the foldingstation 14 is comprised of services of guide rollers 102-108 and foldpins 110. Guide rollers 102 and 104 position the ribbon of material 26.Adjustable guides 130 (FIG. 22) on rollers 102 and 104 are moved intothe material edge. Guide roller 106 (FIG. 22) exerts pressure on thecenter of the material to prevent the ribbon from puckering in thecenter. Folding pins 110 fold the edges of the fabric and roller 108holds the fold. Heat roller 112 presets the fold (100° C.-145° C.). Asillustrated in FIG. 22 guide 114 holds the fold in place before thefolded ribbon enters the press station 16. The press station 16 can beequipped with a hold-down spring 116 to maintain the fold in place whenthe press is lifted stops. The apparatus further includes a cuttingstation as depicted in FIGS. 9 and 17.

[0075]FIGS. 2, 3, 4A and 4B show various views of an end fold labelproduced in accordance with the method and apparatus of the presentinvention. The present invention results in front and back folds sealedtogether along edge 142.

[0076]FIGS. 27 and 28 depict a modification in the folding station toform Manhattan fold labels (FIGS. 5-7). In this embodiment, the foldingstation is comprised of several folding rods and at least one foldinglens. In use, the ribbon of material 26 exits the tension let off device(not shown). The ribbon is over folded on the top edge by folding rod132 (FIGS. 29 and 30). Through tension, the back fold rod 134 begins thetop fold which folds around to the back. Guide rods 130 and 136 bringthe fold into place. The folded ribbon then travels behind support rod138 and through folding lens 140 that maintains the fold and lines upthe fabric with the press station 16 (not shown). FIGS. 29, 30 and 31show a cross section of ribbon 26 as it travels through the foldingstation. The apparatus further includes a cutting station as depicted inFIGS. 9 and 17.

[0077]FIGS. 5, 6, 7A and 7B depict various views of a Manhattan foldlabel produced in accordance with the present invention. The label isunique in that the cut sides are bonded and sealed along edge 144.

[0078] As noted above, the resultant labels have a unique smooth feelbased upon the process used to make them. Furthermore, thermoplasticribbon of labels, preferably a woven polyester, is subdivided using anultrasonic system as part of the claimed apparatus, the labels areunique in that the cut sides are bonded or welded together asillustrated in FIGS. 2-7 and 24-26. As noted above, this bonding notonly prevents the label from being skewed when sewed into a garment, butalso provides the edges with a generally scratchless feel. The apparatusof the invention is particularly suited for insertion of devices such assecurity and inventory control devices, e.g., radio frequency inventorydevices (RFID) tags, into labels. RFIDs are known in the art and includethat disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,874,902; 5,874,896; 5,785,181; and5,745,036. As illustrated in FIG. 23, such devices can be inserted atnumber of locations including, but not limited to locations 118, 120 and122. Location 120 represents such devices on a reel or roll to bedistributed during the fold process. Using an ultrasonic cutting systemthese devices can be sealed into the bonded top and bottom edges of thematerial. This will cause the label to be destroyed if the device isremoved; thus guaranteeing the tag and label stay as one duringprocessing. At location 122 the folded material is opened and the deviceis inserted at desired positions. At location 118 adhesive backeddevices are be placed on the material before folding. Edge sealing canbe achieved with these methods as well.

[0079] The apparatus of the present invention can be modified at anypoint to include various accessories. A vision system can be included toinspect the logos and image on the material as it passes. Labels witherrors caused are detected and removed automatically.

[0080] Additionally, the apparatus can be modified such that the cuttingstation the corners of the cut material are removed to provide forheightened comfort. Further, the apparatus can be modified toultrasonically seal the open loom cut edge giving a centerfold label,for example, three ultrasonically sealed edges and one folded edge.

[0081] Modifications of the invention herein disclosed will occur topersons skilled in the art and all such modifications are deemed to bewithin the scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. A method for producing individual folded labelsfrom a ribbon of labels, said method comprising: providing a ribbon oflabels with at least one folded over portion to result in a foldedribbon; subjecting the folded ribbon to sufficient heat and pressure toset the fold; and subdividing the ribbon into individual folded labels.2. The method of claim 1, wherein the folded labels are in a centerfoldconfiguration.
 3. The method of claim 1, further including the step ofinserting a device into the folded label.
 4. The method of claim 3,wherein the device is a radio frequency inventory device.
 5. The methodof claim 1, wherein the ribbon is subdivided ultrasonically.
 6. A labelproduced by the method of claims 1-5.
 7. A label-making apparatuscomprising: a dispenser for a ribbon of labels; a folding stationpositioned adjacent the dispenser, said folding station providing theribbon of labels with at least one folded over portion; a press stationpositioned adjacent said folding station, said press station includingmechanism for linear advance of the ribbon from the dispenser throughthe folding station and a heated platen movably disposed above saidribbon for providing pressure and heat to ribbon; and a cutting stationposition adjacent the press station and in communication therewith, saidcutting station including ultrasonic means for subdividing an individuallabel from said ribbon.
 8. The apparatus of claim 7, wherein themechanism for linear advance is a conveyor.
 9. The apparatus of claim 7,further comprising a drive wheel positioned between the press stationand the cutting station.